Intermediate plate for a distribution unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an intermediate plate (100) for a distribution unit (200), wherein the distribution unit (200) has a first and a second housing part (210; 220), wherein the intermediate plate (100) can be arranged between the first and second housing part (210; 220) and is designed to at least partially seal the first and second housing part (210; 220), wherein the intermediate plate (100) has at least one fluid interface (110) for a fluidic exchange between the first and second housing part (210; 220), and wherein the intermediate plate (100) is designed to be at least partially thermally insulating.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an intermediate plate for a distribution unit, a distribution unit, a thermal management system, a motor vehicle and a building.

[0002] Generally, coolant can be used to heat and / or cool units, such as a motor vehicle. This coolant can be regulated via various lines and valves in one or more complex coolant circuits. For simplification, a distribution unit can be provided, which has a first and a second housing section. Valves can be provided in one of the housing sections, and lines and / or channels in the other, in order to initially provide a complex interconnection of valves and lines / channels via the distribution unit.

[0003] In general, thermal management systems should provide the most efficient possible distribution of heat energy. It is particularly undesirable if heat energy exchange occurs due to the thermal conductivity of the components used, as this reduces the efficiency of the thermal management system.

[0004] On the other hand, it is important to ensure that the pipes, connected units and the distribution unit are sealed in order to minimize or even prevent unwanted coolant leakage.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an intermediate plate for a distribution unit which improves at least one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve / increase the thermal energy efficiency of a distribution unit.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the problem is solved by an intermediate plate for a distribution unit, wherein the distribution unit comprises a first and a second housing part. The intermediate plate can be arranged between the first and second housing parts and is designed to at least partially seal the first and second housing parts. The intermediate plate has at least one fluid interface for fluidic exchange between the first and second housing parts, and the intermediate plate is at least partially thermally insulating.

[0007] The distribution unit can be configured to guide a fluid, in particular a coolant. This fluid can flow through the at least one fluid interface from the first housing part to the second housing part and / or vice versa. Consequently, the fluid can be in contact with the intermediate plate. Since the intermediate plate can extend between the first and second housing parts, thermal conductivity of the intermediate plate would cause heat energy to be transferred from the fluid to further sections of the first and / or second housing part via the intermediate plate and / or vice versa. This can lead to reduced efficiency of any associated thermal management system. The inventors have advantageously recognized that such heat energy transfer can be minimized by at least partially thermally insulating the intermediate plate.

[0008] The intermediate plate can be in contact with the first and second housing parts in the state arranged between them.

[0009] The first housing part can have a first contact surface, and the second housing part can have a second contact surface. These can be designed to be complementary to each other. The first and second contact surfaces can be planar. The intermediate plate can be arranged between the first and second contact surfaces and / or be designed to be arranged there. For this purpose, the intermediate plate can be designed based on the first and second contact surfaces such that it can be arranged on them, in particular such that it can be brought into contact with at least part, and advantageously completely, with the respective contact surface. The intermediate plate can be dimensioned such that it covers at least part, and in particular completely, the first and / or the second contact surface.

[0010] The intermediate plate can be plate-shaped. Plate-shaped can be understood as meaning that the intermediate plate extends essentially along a length and a width. Consequently, the thickness of the plate can be significantly less than its length and width.

[0011] At least partial sealing can be or include sealing to the outside, such that the first and second housing parts can be fluidically connected to each other via the intermediate plate and the fluid can be exchanged via at least one interface. Consequently, at least partial sealing is understood to mean that, by arranging the intermediate plate between the first and second housing parts, the fluid can be exchanged between the first and second housing parts via the intermediate plate without the fluid being able to leak outwards during this process.

[0012] The intermediate plate can be designed to reduce and / or prevent leakage between the first and second housing parts, particularly in the state arranged between the first and second housing parts.

[0013] The intermediate plate can be designed to be at least partially thermally insulating, thus reducing, and in particular preventing, heat energy exchange between at least two fluid flows of the distributor unit. The two fluid flows can be in contact with the intermediate plate in the state arranged between the first and second housing parts. One of the fluid flows can pass through the fluid interface. The other fluid flow can be within the first or second housing part and be at least partially in contact with the intermediate plate. Consequently, the intermediate plate can be in contact with two or more heat energy sources and / or consumers. Heat energy exchange between these may be undesirable, so the intermediate plate is designed to be at least partially thermally insulating, suppressing or minimizing this heat energy exchange.If, however, heat energy exchange is desired at another section of the intermediate plate, this section of the intermediate plate can be designed to be thermally conductive.

[0014] The intermediate plate can be completely thermally insulating. Alternatively, a first section of the intermediate plate can be thermally insulating, and a second section can be thermally conductive and / or non-thermally insulating. Depending on the design of the manifold unit, particularly the first and / or second housing section, it may be advantageous to make only the first section thermally insulating, as only the first section is in contact with heat energy sources and / or consumers. The second section can, for example, be in contact with both the first and second housing sections, with no fluid flows and / or heat energy sources and / or consumers present in the area of ​​the second section. Accordingly, the proportion of thermal and / or non-thermal insulation can be reduced to save costs.

[0015] The intermediate plate can consist at least partially of one or more metals and / or one or more thermally insulating materials.

[0016] The intermediate plate may have at least a partial thermally insulating coating. The intermediate plate may be completely coated with the insulating coating.

[0017] Alternatively, the top and bottom surfaces of the intermediate plate can be at least partially, and in particular completely, coated with the thermally insulating coating. The top surface can face the first housing section, in particular the first contact surface, and the bottom surface can face the second housing section, in particular the second contact surface. Consequently, one or more side surfaces of the intermediate plate, which connect the top and bottom surfaces, can be left without the coating or at least partially coated with it.

[0018] If the intermediate plate is made entirely of one or more metals, it can be referred to as an intermediate sheet. Consequently, the intermediate sheet can at least partially incorporate a thermally insulating coating to achieve thermal insulation.

[0019] However, if the intermediate plate is made entirely of the thermally insulating material or materials, the coating can be omitted.

[0020] Alternatively, the intermediate plate, which consists entirely of the thermally insulating material or materials, can also be at least partially provided with the thermally insulating coating.

[0021] The intermediate plate can have a first sealing bead on the upper side of the intermediate plate facing the first housing part for sealing with the first housing part and / or a second sealing bead on the underside of the intermediate plate facing the second housing part for sealing with the second housing part.

[0022] The first and / or second sealing bead can be thermally insulating.

[0023] The first and / or the second sealing bead can consist of one or more thermally insulating materials, wherein the thermally insulating material or materials of the first and / or second sealing bead is in particular identical to the thermally insulating material or materials of the intermediate plate.

[0024] The first and / or second sealing bead can be arranged on the intermediate plate, in particular the upper or lower surface, and / or be bonded to it in a material-bonded manner.

[0025] The first and / or second sealing bead can form a raised section above or below the top or bottom surface and / or protrude from it.

[0026] The intermediate plate can have a first sealing cord and / or a first insert gasket for sealing with the first housing part. Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate plate can have a second sealing cord and / or a second insert gasket for sealing with the second housing part.

[0027] The intermediate plate can be configured to guide the fluid, in particular a coolant, via at least one fluid interface. The fluid interface can fluidically connect the first and second housing sections.

[0028] The intermediate plate can include one or more channels on its top and / or bottom surface for guiding fluid. The intermediate plate can also include one or more conduits extending from the top and / or bottom surface to the opposite side and / or to the fluid interface. The one or more channels can be configured to guide fluid along the top or bottom surface, for example, to direct fluid from a first section of the first housing part to a second section of the first housing part.

[0029] The intermediate plate can include at least one through-opening. This through-opening can be designed for fasteners, in particular to connect the intermediate plate to the first and / or second housing part. Alternatively or additionally, the through-opening can result in material savings. Any gas trapped through the first and second housing parts due to the through-opening can provide thermal insulation.

[0030] A material that provides thermal insulation can be described as thermally insulating.

[0031] A material can be described as thermally insulating if it has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 5 W / mK, in particular less than or equal to 1 W / mK.

[0032] A thermally insulating material can be a plastic.

[0033] The problem is solved, according to a second aspect, by a distribution unit, particularly for a motor vehicle. The distribution unit comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, each designed to conduct a fluid. Furthermore, the distribution unit includes an intermediate plate, as described in the first aspect. The intermediate plate is arranged between the first and second housing parts such that the fluid can be exchanged between them via the fluid interface. The intermediate plate seals the first and second housing parts, at least partially.

[0034] The task is solved according to a third aspect by a thermal management system, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a distribution unit, characterized in that the distribution unit is designed according to the second aspect.

[0035] The thermal management system can also include a heat pump.

[0036] In the present invention, temperature control is understood to mean cooling or heating.

[0037] A thermal management system is a system that regulates the temperature of at least two devices. A device can be either cooled or heated. One device can be cooled and the other heated. These devices can even be located in the same coolant circuit, as will be shown below.

[0038] Preferably, a consumer can be an electric machine. Furthermore, a consumer can be an inverter. Additionally or alternatively, a consumer can be a passenger compartment. Advantageously, a consumer can be a battery.

[0039] The thermal management system can have at least one coolant circuit. Preferably, the thermal management system has at least one refrigerant circuit and one coolant circuit. At least one cooling unit is arranged in the refrigerant circuit. This unit cools the coolant. The coolant circuit can be cooled via the refrigerant and can be in direct connection with at least one consumer.

[0040] Furthermore, the thermal management system can have at least two, and in particular exactly two, coolant circuits and one refrigerant circuit. At least one cooling unit is arranged in the refrigerant circuit. This unit can cool the coolant. The cooling circuits can be cooled via the refrigerant and can be in direct connection with the consumers.

[0041] Preferably, one of the coolant circuits can be arranged as a high-temperature circuit and the other as a low-temperature circuit. The high-temperature circuit can be thermally connected to the refrigerant circuit at a first point, and the low-temperature circuit can be thermally connected to the refrigerant circuit at a second point. The first point can have a higher temperature than the second point. In particular, the high-temperature circuit can be connected downstream of a compressor. Preferably, the low-temperature circuit can be connected downstream of an evaporator.

[0042] The temperature to which the high-temperature circuit can be cooled can be, for example, 40°C. This temperature can be used simultaneously to heat one component, such as the passenger compartment, and to cool another component, such as an electric motor.

[0043] The low-temperature circuit can be cooled to a lower temperature than the high-temperature circuit. This allows the cooling capacity to be concentrated on the low-temperature circuit, to which the largest cooling load, e.g., power electronics, is connected. This optimizes the cooling capacity and allows, for example, the compressor to be smaller.

[0044] A radiator can preferably be arranged in the low-temperature circuit.

[0045] Advantageously, a passenger compartment and / or an electric motor and / or a battery, particularly of the motor vehicle, can be arranged as consumers in the high-temperature circuit. Furthermore, a power electronics arrangement, particularly an inverter, can be arranged in the low-temperature circuit. The power electronics can be integrated into the motor vehicle.

[0046] The cooling unit can be designed as a heat pump. The heat pump can include at least two heat exchangers and a compressor. One of the heat exchangers can be designed as a condenser and the other as an expansion valve.

[0047] Preferably, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can be a natural refrigerant, in particular propane. Furthermore, the coolant in the coolant circuit(s) can be a water-glycol mixture.

[0048] Preferably, the thermal management system includes a distribution unit. The distribution unit controls which circuit is connected to which other circuit and which consumer. The distribution unit is also referred to as a Fluid Control Unit (FCU). Advantageously, the distribution unit includes a valve unit with at least one valve. The valve can be a spool valve, in particular an axial spool valve or a rotary spool valve. In particular, the valve unit can have at least four, preferably exactly four, valves.

[0049] The distribution unit comprises at least the first and second housing parts. Channel structures and / or valve mounting areas may be formed on the facing sides of the housing parts. Alternatively, one housing part may be designed as a cover without any structures, and only one housing part may have channel structures and / or valve mounting areas. It is also conceivable to provide only valve mounting areas in one housing part and only channel structures in the other.

[0050] Furthermore, the thermal management system and / or the distribution unit can include a pump arrangement with at least one pump. Preferably, the pump arrangement can include at least two, and in particular exactly two, pumps.

[0051] At least one pump can be designed as a gerotor pump. At least one pump can be designed as a vane pump.

[0052] Alternatively, the thermal management system can also be installed in a stationary position, e.g. in a building.

[0053] The task is solved according to a fourth aspect by a motor vehicle comprising a thermal management system according to the third aspect and / or a distribution unit according to the second aspect and / or an intermediate plate according to the first aspect.

[0054] The task is solved according to a fifth aspect by buildings comprising a thermal management system according to the third aspect and / or a distribution unit according to the second aspect and / or an intermediate plate according to the first aspect.

[0055] Features described in relation to the intermediate plate according to the first aspect can be implemented as features of the distribution unit according to the second aspect, the thermal management system according to the third aspect, the motor vehicle according to the fourth aspect and / or the building according to the fifth aspect, or vice versa.

[0056] Preferred embodiments are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a top view of an intermediate plate for a distribution unit; Fig. 2 a side view of the distribution unit with the intermediate plate; Fig. 3 a thermal management system with a distribution unit; Fig. 4 a motor vehicle with a distribution unit; and Fig. 5 a building with a distribution unit.

[0057] In the figures, identical or essentially functionally equivalent or similar elements are designated with the same reference symbols.

[0058] Fig. Figure 1 shows an intermediate plate 100 for a distribution unit 200 with a first housing part 210 and a second housing part 220, which are to be connected to each other by means of the intermediate plate 100. In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The x, y and z axes are shown for improved understanding.

[0059] The one in Fig. The intermediate plate 100 shown in Figure 1 is exemplary, and its shape is not limited to this. Its dimensions, particularly along the x, y, and / or z axes, can be determined based on the distributor unit 200, especially the first and / or second housing part 210, 220. The intermediate plate 100 can be dimensioned such that, in the position between the first housing part 210 and the second housing part 220, it at least partially seals against them. For this purpose, the intermediate plate can have a shape complementary to the shape of the first housing part 210, especially the contact surface of the first housing part 210 for the intermediate plate 100, and of the second housing part 220, especially the contact surface of the second housing part 220 for the intermediate plate 100.

[0060] The intermediate plate 100 can essentially extend along the x- and y-axes, such that its thickness along the z-axis is significantly smaller than the lengths of the intermediate plate 100 along the x- and y-axes, see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0061] Advantageously, the contact surfaces of the first and second housing parts 210, 220 are planar. The intermediate plate 100 can also be planar, or rather its upper and lower surfaces.

[0062] The intermediate plate 100 can be arranged between the first and second housing parts 210, 220 and is designed to at least partially seal the first and second housing parts 210, 220. Furthermore, the intermediate plate 100 has at least one fluid interface, in this case five fluid interfaces 110, for fluidic exchange between the first and second housing parts 210, 220.

[0063] In order to minimize unwanted heat energy exchange between the fluids through the fluid interfaces 110 and / or between the first housing part 210 and the second housing part 220, the intermediate plate 100 is at least partially thermally insulating.

[0064] The intermediate plate 100 can consist entirely of one or more metals, so that it can be described as an intermediate sheet. Since metals are thermally conductive, the intermediate plate 100 can be formed with a thermally insulating coating. This coating can cover at least partially, and in particular completely, at least one top and / or one bottom surface of the intermediate plate 100. Additionally, the coating can cover at least partially one or more side surfaces that connect the top and bottom surfaces.

[0065] The thermal coating provides thermal insulation, thus enabling improved thermal management.

[0066] Alternatively, the intermediate plate 100 can consist at least partially of one or more metals and at least partially of one or more thermally insulating materials. Consequently, a coating of the thermally insulating materials can be omitted, while the metal(s) can be coated.

[0067] Alternatively, the intermediate plate 100 can be made entirely of one or more thermally insulating materials. In this case, a thermally insulating coating is not required.

[0068] Furthermore, the intermediate plate 100 exhibits according to the Fig. 1. A sealing bead 140 is applied to the upper right section of the intermediate plate 100. The sealing bead 140 can be larger or smaller. Furthermore, the sealing bead 140 can be arranged along an edge section of the upper or lower surface of the intermediate plate 100. The sealing bead 140 can be self-contained. The sealing bead 140 can be provided, in particular, to improve the sealing when the intermediate plate 100 is at least partially metallic.

[0069] Furthermore, the intermediate plate 100 has several channels 130 designed for conveying fluid. By sealing the intermediate plate 130 to the first and second housing parts 210, 220, the channels face the respective housing parts 210, 220 and can be designed for fluidic conveyance. Accordingly, a channel 130 can convey fluid from a first location on one of the housing parts 210, 220 to a second location on the same housing part 210, 220 and / or to a location on the other housing part 210, 220.

[0070] The intermediate plate 100 further comprises a through-opening 120. The through-opening 120 can be provided to save material. Alternatively or additionally, the through-opening 120 can be designed for fastening means to attach the intermediate plate 100 to the first and / or second housing part 210, 220.

[0071] Fig. Figure 2 shows the intermediate plate 100 in the state inserted between the first and second housing parts 210, 220 of a distribution unit 200. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the intermediate plate 100 is designed such that its length along the x-axis corresponds to the lengths of the first and second housing parts 210 and 220. The intermediate plate can also have a length along the y-axis that corresponds to the lengths of the first and second housing parts 210 and 220 along the y-axis.

[0072] Fig. Figure 3 shows a thermal management system 300, in particular for a motor vehicle 400 and / or a building 500, wherein the thermal management system 300 comprises a distribution unit 200 with an intermediate plate 100.

[0073] The thermal management system 300 further includes a heat pump 310. The thermal management system 300 can further include pipes, valves and / or pumps to form one or more coolant circuits.

[0074] Fig. Figure 4 shows a motor vehicle 400 with a thermal management system 300, wherein the thermal management system 300 comprises a distribution unit 200 with an intermediate plate 100.

[0075] Fig. Figure 5 shows a building 500 with a thermal management system 300, wherein the thermal management system 300 comprises a distribution unit 200 with an intermediate plate 100. Reference sign 100 intermediate plate 110 fluid interfaces 120 Through opening 130 channels 140 sealing beads 200 distribution unit 210 first housing part 220 second housing part 300 Thermal Management System 310 Heat pump 400 motor vehicles 500 buildings

Claims

[1] Intermediate plate (100) for a distribution unit (200), wherein the distribution unit (200) has a first and a second housing part (210; 220), wherein the intermediate plate (100) can be arranged between the first and second housing parts (210; 220) and is designed to at least partially seal the first and second housing parts (210; 220), wherein the intermediate plate (100) has at least one fluid interface (110) for fluidic exchange between the first and second housing parts (210; 220), wherein the intermediate plate (100) is at least partially thermally insulating. [2] Intermediate plate (100) according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate plate (100) is designed to reduce and / or prevent leakage between the first and second housing parts (210; 220), in particular in the state arranged between the first and second housing parts (210; 220). [3] Intermediate plate (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate plate (100) is designed to be at least partially thermally insulating in such a way that heat energy exchange between at least two fluid flows of the distributor unit (200) is reduced, in particular prevented, wherein the two fluid flows are in contact with the intermediate plate (100) in the state arranged between the first and second housing part (210; 220). [4] Intermediate plate (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate plate (100) consists at least partially of one or more metals and / or of one or more thermally insulating materials. [5] Intermediate plate (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate plate (100) has at least a partial thermally insulating coating. [6] Intermediate plate (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate plate (100) has on a top side of the intermediate plate (100) facing the first housing part (210) a first sealing bead (140) for sealing with the first housing part (210) and / or on a bottom side of the intermediate plate (100) facing the second housing part (220) a second sealing bead (140) for sealing with the second housing part (220). [7] Intermediate plate (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first and / or the second sealing bead (140) consists of one or more thermally insulating materials, wherein the thermally insulating material or materials of the first and / or second sealing bead (140) is in particular identical to the thermally insulating material or materials of the intermediate plate (100). [8] Intermediate plate (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate plate (100) has a first sealing cord and / or first insert seal for sealing with the first housing part (210) and / or a second sealing cord and / or second insert seal for sealing with the second housing part (220). [9] Distribution unit (200), in particular for a motor vehicle (400), comprising: a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), each designed to guide a fluid; an intermediate plate (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the intermediate plate (100) is arranged between the first and second housing parts (210; 220) such that the fluid between the first and second housing parts (210; 220) can be exchanged via the fluid interface, wherein the intermediate plate (100) at least partially seals the first and second housing parts (210; 220). [10] Thermal management system (300), in particular for a motor vehicle (400), comprising a distribution unit (200), characterized by , that the distribution unit (200) is designed according to claim 9. [11] Motor vehicle (400) comprising a thermal management system (300) according to claim 10 and / or a distribution unit (200) according to claim 9 and / or an intermediate plate (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [12] Building (500) comprising a thermal management system (300) according to claim 10 and / or a distribution unit (200) according to claim 9 and / or an intermediate plate (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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